Calcareous nannofossils across the Danian/Selandian boundary

A high-resolution calcareous nannofossil analysis of the Danian/Selandian boundary was conducted at Site 1262 (Walvis Ridge, South Atlantic) to pinpoint the lowest occurrence of fasciculiths and to unravel the evolutionary trends throughout nannofossil Zone NP4. Using quantitative analyses, numerous primary and secondary bioevents were identified, improving the biostratigraphic resolution of this interval. The main events recorded at Site 1262 were also identified at the Zumaia section Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) of the base of the Selandian and at the Qreiya section (Egypt). The lowest occurrence of fasciculiths (represented by the LO of Gomphiolithus magnicordis and Gomphiolithus magnus) was observed in the middle part of Chron C27r, above the LO of Toweius pertusus and prior to the LO of the genus Sphenolithus. The synchroneity of the LO of fasciculiths was also verified at various latitudes, such as DSDP Site 384 (NW Atlantic), ODP Site 761B (Indian Ocean) and DSDP Site 577A (Pacific Ocean). The first and second diversification events (Steurbaut and Sztrákos, 2008, doi:10.1016/j.marmicro.2007.08.004), or radiation events (Bernaola et al., 2009, doi:10.1344/105.000000272), of fasciculiths have been thoroughly discussed and well characterized by a succession of events. The occurrence of the Latest Danian Event (LDE) and several paleoenvironmental changes recognized during this time interval, coupled with an ecological competition with Sphenolithus, appear to be the probable causes of the First and Second Radiations and the fasciculith barren interval between them. The occurrence of new morphostructures and taxa suggests evolutionary trends and a strict link between morphological evolution and paleoclimate.

Cenozoic calcareous nannofossils in DSDP Leg 77 holes

Three of the six DSDP Leg 77 sites drilled in the western approaches to the Straits of Florida yielded thick sequences of Cenozoic sediment rich in calcareous nannofossils. Hiatuses are prominent in each of these continuously cored intervals. A prominent upper Oligocene hiatus, observed at each of these three sites, can be correlated to a large-scale "global" regression event. Other disconformable horizons present in the study area cannot be positively related to sealevel fluctuations and may be caused by a number of factors including local tectonic activity. Paleogene sections are generally marked by thick accumulations within the upper Oligocene Sphenolithus ciperoensis Zone and by a pronounced braarudosphaerid-holococcolith bloom recorded in the lower Oligocene and upper Eocene. This bloom is particularly well developed at Site 540. All samples examined contain abundant nannofossils. Preservation fluctuates throughout the sections from good to poor.

Biostratigraphical investigations of Lago d'Averno, near Naples

Remains of diatoms, molluscs, ostracods, foraminifera and pollen exines preserved in the sediments of Lago d'Averno, a volcanic lake in the Phlegrean Fields west of Naples, allowed us to reconstruct the changes in the ecological conditions of the lake and of the vegetation around it for the period from 800 BC to 800 AD. Lago d'Averno was at first a freshwater lake, temporarily influenced by volcanic springs. Salinity increased slowly during Greek times as a result of subsidence of the surrounding land. Saline conditions developed only after the lake was connected with the sea by a canal, when Portus Julius was built in 37 BC. The first post-Roman period of uplift ended with a short freshwater phase during the 7th century after Christ. Deciduous oakwoods around the lake was transformed into a forest of evergreen oaks in Greek times and thrived there - apparently almost uninfluenced by man - until it was felled, when the Avernus was incorporated into the new Roman harbour in 37 BC, to construct a shipyard and other military buildings there. Land-use was never more intense than during Roman times and weakest in Greek and Early Roman times, when the Avernus was considered a holy place, the entrance to the underworld.

Palynological records of sediments from the Odderade type locality, north Germany

Reinvestigation of the Odderade Interstadial in its type locality led to an augmentation of the flora list and correction of some misinterpretations (e.g. Omorica, Frangula). The Eemian, stadials FW 1 and 3, and the interstadials Amersfoort/Broerup and Odderade have been manifested by pollen analyses. FW 1 and FW 3 are probably not completely free from forested areas. The new pollen diagrams considered with older data from Odderade, and in comparison with other regions in Central Europe, fit essentially with the classification and development of Vegetation during the Early Weichselian in Oerel by Behre & Lade (1986).